Following Up On Illegal Gold Mining Report In West Pasaman, Ministry Of Energy And Mineral Resources Will Inspect The Field Directly

Photo: Doc. Antara

JAKARTA - The Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) emphasized that it would follow up on the issue of illegal gold mining in West Pasaman Regency, West Sumatra.

"We held a joint meeting across Regional Apparatus Organizations at the Sumber Governor's Office some time ago. The issue of illegal gold mining is a concern that we will follow up," said Mining Inspector of the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Benni, as reported by Antara, Sunday, October 9.

According to him, in the joint meeting there were several things that were agreed upon for follow-up, including the issue of illegal gold mining which has disturbed the community in West Pasaman, precisely in Astra Muaro Kiawai, Gunung Tuleh District to Rimbo Canduang, Pasaman District.

His party also immediately formed an integrated team involving relevant agencies to immediately go down to the field to see the existing conditions.

"We will carry out field operations at an undisclosed time so that this information does not leak," he said.

His party could not allow this problem to spread because it was very disturbing to the community.

"We will involve all parties. Moreover, this illegal issue is our current attention. We don't know who is involved yet, but we will investigate with clear evidence," he said.

Meanwhile, the Director General of Mineral and Coal of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), Ridwan Djamaluddin, when confirmed, thanked him for the information.

His staff will immediately conduct a study and will receive special attention later. "This is our attention and concern. Thank you," he said.

The suspected illegal gold mine is currently rife in the Astra Muaro Kiawai area, Gunung Tuleh District to the Rimbo Canduang area, Pasaman District.

There are around 34-40 heavy equipment operating on the banks of the river in that location, causing the river water along the Batang Pasaman River to become cloudy and yellow in color.